How do I write a Bank of America check?

Are we done? Absolutely not! There are still checks to be done. Did you remember them? You may think that knowing how to write a check isn’t necessary since there are other methods that are more efficient or faster. However, they are still needed today. The value of the checks written by Americans in 2018 totalled 25.8 trillion dollars. Despite the drop in check writing – in 2000, 40,000 million checks were written – they still hold a significant market share.

Don’t worry if you haven’t written a check in a long time or ever! You can use this guide to learn how to write a Bank of America check in English without making mistakes.

Checks are no longer as common as they used to be?

Mostly because of technology. In addition to withdrawals, ATMs now allow us to issue payments and deposit to another account. Payments for utility bills, taxes, and mobile phone plans can be made instantly or automatically through online banking. With the ability to make contactless payments within applications, debit and credit cards have become the preferred method for completing purchases online and in physical stores.

Additionally, transfers are becoming less common every day due to the incorporation of technology in finance. Unlike transfers, sending money with Zelle or other apps is 100% free.

There are still some companies that continue to ask their customers to write checks in order to provide a service or collect a payment. What is the main problem? It could be rejected by the bank at the time of deposit or collection if it is not well written.

Both the recipient and the issuer of the check will be inconvenienced by this. In this case, the recipient will need to contact you to replace the check or to arrange for another method of payment. A returned check fee will be automatically deducted from your checking account if you, as the issuer, do not complete the payment on time.

The solution to this problem is quite simple: First, make sure you have funds in your checking account to avoid non-sufficient funds or overdraft charges. Second, write your check like an expert. It should be written clearly and without crossing out or emendations in order to prevent “bounce”. Make sure all the information and figures are accurate by checking them very carefully.

The check can essentially be handed over as payment and left as is if everything goes well.

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How do you fill out a Bank of America check in English?

Though this guide focuses on how to write a Bank of America check in English, it should be applicable to checks written by any bank. Financial institutions generally issue checks in the same format. Before you put ink on paper, we recommend you examine the check and identify each of its parts:

• A checking account holder’s address and name are usually displayed in the upper right corner.
• The check number and control number can be found in the upper right corner.
• The numbers below can be found in the lower left corner. The first nine numbers correspond to the ABA routing number. Follow the next 10-12 digits with the account number and the last 4-6 digits with the check number.
• The form appears in the center of the check. Date appears on the first line. Second line is to write the beneficiary’s name. A box has been provided to write the amount in dollars (numbers), with an extra line for writing the amount in words. A space has been reserved for the signature at the end of the document.

Let’s take a step-by-step look now at how to write an English Bank of America check after identifying all the check’s parts, or at least most of them.

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# 1 Write the date at the top right of the check.

You have to date all checks before they can be cashed. On the line that appears in the upper right corner, write the day, month, and year. Check that you have entered them correctly. Please keep in mind that the month is written first, followed by the day and the year in the United States.

You can choose the format you want for the date: Abbreviate it (1/12/2020) or write it in full (December 1, 2020 / December 1, 2020).

#2 Write the payee’s name on the check

The “Pay to the Order of” line should include the full name of the person (first and last), company, or organization that will cash or deposit the check. You should ask the payee whose name you should write the check to if you do not know the payee’s name or are not sure how to spell it. There is also the option of writing “cash” so anyone with it can collect it.

If you are writing the beneficiary’s name on the check, make sure you do it carefully so as to avoid making mistakes. If “Martines” is substituted for “Martinez” or “John” is replaced with “Jonathan,” the check will be voided.

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#3 Please enter the dollar amount.

The right side of the check will have a dollar sign ($) in a box or line. The exact amount of the check should be written there in numbers and with cents. In this space, you will enter the value of the check in dollars. You can write the amount in letters in the second field.

#4 Enter your amount in dollars (but in letters)

Below the payee line, you’ll find a space to write the amount of the check in words. You would write “One Hundred Twenty and 50/100” if the dollar amount is $120.50. As you can see, cents are written as fractions.

Tip: When we are talking about an exact figure, for example $300, we advise you to express it as follows in numbers and letters. This will prevent someone from completing the figure and charging a few more cents:

• Numbers: $300.00 / $300-
• Lyrics: Three Hundred and 00/100 / Three Hundred——————

Note: Some payees or laws require you to use the notes section to indicate the type of payment. Which are examples? Monthly mortgage payments or employee utilities.

#5 Fill in the notes Field (optional)

Checks contain an optional “notes” section. You can still collect or deposit the check if you don’t fill it out. We recommend that you use it because it can serve as proof of payment. It is possible to put the invoice number or perhaps the customer number in the notes area if you are paying an invoice by check. You can use a congratulations phrase like “Happy Graduation!” if it is a graduation gift.

Note: Some payees or laws require you to use the notes section to indicate the type of payment. Which are examples? Monthly mortgage payments or employee utilities.

#6 Don’t forget to sign the check

In the absence of the owner’s signature, the check would be invalid. In other words, stamp your signature -as it appears on your ID card- on the bottom right line. When you sign a check, you are telling the bank that you agree to deliver the stated amount in cash to the payee.

Don’t sign the back of the check! Just the beneficiary needs to sign this space.

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Tips for writing Bank of America checks and others

Take the time to thoroughly examine and identify each part of the check before filling it out. Some things may seem the same, but others may differ. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and City Bank checks all follow the same format. Here are some examples:

•  The name and address of the account holder appear in the upper right corner.
• Check numbers (4-6 digits) and account numbers (10-12 digits) are located in the bottom corner of the check. This is the routing number (ABA Routing Number) with nine digits.
• The date is located in the upper right corner, and below there is a space to fill in the amount.
• In the center, the lines are devoted to the amount in words and the signature, oriented one line lower to the left.

We emphasize again the importance of filling out a check without errors, since this would create inconveniences for both the receiver and issuer. Write clearly, without crossing out or using ink that is not blue or black.

The check will have to be replaced otherwise, or the money will have to be sent by another method. The next piece of advice is to make sure you have money in your checking account!

In the event that the check has any of the errors that we have mentioned, you will have to pay a return fee, which is automatically deducted from your checking account.

Last but not least, do not sign the back of the check. Only the beneficiary has access to it.

Example of how to fill out a check

Irrespective of the financial institution, an example of how to fill out a check is always useful:

• A check always begins with the current date, which is the date you write the check today.
• Additionally, all checks will read “To the order of” so that you write the name and surname of the individual or company to whom you are paying. However, if you are unsure of the name, ask.
• There is a space on the right for you to write the value of the fence in numbers. Because you cannot leave blank spaces, you should start writing it on the left margin.
• You should then write the check’s value in capital letters. The amount in numbers must equal the amount in numbers, otherwise the check will be voided.
• Lastly, you must sign the check on the last line of the right margin. You must use the same signature that your bank has on file for your name.
• If you are writing a check, there is a space titled To or Memo. In this space, you can include a note about the reason for the check as an internal record for your control and recordkeeping. This is optional, but it should be completed.
• Make a record on paper or with software after you have written the check to ensure you record each payment.

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Avoid signing a check without information!

Blank checks are the result of checks that are signed but do not have their boxes filled with information. You should always fill out your checks and sign them last. This way, you won’t be a victim of fraud!

I hope you got enough information about how to write a Bank of America check. If you have more questions, please comment below!!